DE102011119956A1 - Germinating a germination material, comprises moistening the germination material for starting a germination process and continuing the germination process, where the germination material forms carbon dioxide - Google Patents

Abstract

Germinating (10) a germination material, comprises moistening (16) the germination material at 12-20[deg] C for starting a germination process and continuing (22) the germination process, where the germination material forms carbon dioxide. An independent claim is also included for a germinated germination material produced by the above mentioned method.

Description

Background of the invention

The invention relates to a method for germinating seed material, comprising the steps of: moistening the germinal product to start a germination process and continuing the germination process, wherein the germinal product forms carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the invention relates to a germinated seed produced by such a method.

In particular, cereals, cereals (crops) or legumes (lupins, soybeans) are used as seed material. Such germination contains high-energy and nutritionally valuable ingredients, especially carbohydrates and proteins. However, the ingredients in the seed are initially only partially usable for humans and animals.

Under germinated germinate material is to be understood in the present case, the germination process or germination process is interrupted. It is only by means of the interrupted germination process that the ingredients in the germinated germinal product are so far developed that they can be used efficiently by humans and animals. Sprouted sprouts thus form a valuable source of energy and protein, as well as suppliers of vitamins and trace elements, and can form an important part of human and animal nutrition.

To a small extent, germinated sprouts, for example, are already used in bread production and, to a great extent, in the brewing industry for the production of malt. The malt is produced by drying and kilning of green malt, which is produced after germination, in particular of barley or wheat from the grain.

Another field of application of germinated germ is agriculture. On the one hand germinated germination material is used as seed to ensure a uniform growth of the sowing and to accelerate the growth. On the other hand, germinated germs are sometimes used in animal production as animal feed. As a protein supplier, the sprouted seed can replace conventional soybean meal, for example.

Underlying task

The invention has for its object to provide a method for germination of germs, can be produced with a particularly high nutrient content cost-effective and gentle a germinated germ.

Inventive solution

The object is achieved according to the invention with a method for germinating seed material, with the steps: moistening the germinal product to start a germination process and continuing the germination process, wherein the germinal product forms carbon dioxide. The step of moistening takes place at a temperature of 12 ° C to 20 ° C, in particular from 14 ° C to 18 ° C.

The solution according to the invention is based on the following considerations:
Seed material, especially seeds of seed plants such as cereals, cereals, legumes or legumes but also potatoes, is composed of individual seed grains, especially seeds together. The single germinal grain comprises a seedling or embryo and a meal or body of flour as a so-called endosperm, enveloped by a shell which protects the seedling and the endosperm. The endosperm in turn contains nutrients in the form of high-energy, high molecular weight, water-insoluble starches and proteins, in which energy is stored in the form of chemical energy for the seedling. The energy thus stored can be released in a germination process in an exothermic reaction with evolution of heat. For germination to start, enzymes such as amylases, peptidases, dextrinases, and so on, which are biocatalysts in the seed grain, must first be activated. The activation of the enzymes is influenced by certain factors, such as the water content or moisture level and the temperature of the germinal product.

The size of the factors depends on the type of germinal product. Depending on the type of germinant, the enzymes may be activated by means of a defined addition of water, raising the temperature or, preferably, adding growth hormones such as gibberillic acid. By activating the enzymes, the germination process starts with the formation of further enzymes and in particular with a degradation of the enzymes high molecular weight starches and proteins in low molecular weight sugars and amino acids, as well as with the formation of vitamins. Only these low-molecular structured nutrients are usable for the seedling.

In this way, the sugars, in particular glucose, maltose, maltotriose and maiose from the seedling, are broken down into carbon dioxide, in particular in a process of aerobic respiration under oxygen consumption.

In this process, energy is released, which is used for the further development of the seedling to build the plant and in part but also released as heat energy. At the same time decreases by the degradation of low molecular weight sugar, the total stored energy content in the individual seed grain. There is a so-called substance consumption, in particular a consumption of sugar and thus ultimately of carbohydrates by means of respiration. During the germination process, oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide is formed.

During the process of breathing other enzymes are formed and activated in parallel, sometimes also consumed. By means of these enzymes water-insoluble high-molecular nutrients are further degraded into water-soluble low-molecular nutrients, which in turn are further processed. As low molecular weight sugars they are further breathed, that is, they are, as already described, degraded with release of energy to carbon dioxide.

The low molecular weight proteins formed in the germination process from the high-molecular-weight proteins, in particular amino acids, are not, like the sugars, used to generate energy, but are converted into water-soluble proteins. Only these water-soluble proteins can be transported in the individual seed grain, since the transport takes place in the seed grain with the help of water. Thus, the proteins are utilized to build new cells of the seedling and rebuilt.

The invention is based on the idea, on the one hand to control the germination process in the direction of low nutrient consumption and also in good time before the conclusion of the germination process to interrupt it, so that the degradation of low-molecular nutrients is stopped. So stopped, are in the germinated germ nutrients easily recyclable low molecular nutrients available, which have not been largely dismantled and rebuilt.

By means of the then low nutrient consumption, the nutrient content in the individual germinal grain as a whole largely remains intact. The sprouted seed thus formed can be used in particular as a valuable food or feed with low molecular weight sugars and proteins and a high vitamin and trace element content, since it can be used very well by the human and animal organism.

According to the invention, a step of moistening the germinal product or a wet switch for starting the germination process is carried out, since the individual germinal grain is initially in a resting phase or in a kind of waiting position. Only by absorption of water and thus increase in the degree of moisture are the enzymes that are in the individual seed grain, activated. The more water the individual germinal grain absorbs in a short time, the more enzymes are activated. Therefore, the seed is soaked in water, preferably until the individual seed grains are completely surrounded by water. In particular, a uniform moisture penetration of the germinal product is achieved.

The individual seed grain absorbs water, which increases its moisture level. After reaching a certain degree of moisture, which depends on the type of germ, the germination process in the individual seed grain starts with the activation of enzymes. For the most part, further enzymes are formed. Such activated and formed enzymes are mainly starch-degrading α- and β-amylases, cytolytic or cell-dissolving β-glucanases, protein-degrading or proteolytic proteases, phosphoric acid ester-splitting phosphatases, and others.

In addition to the water content, according to the findings of the invention, the temperature is a decisive factor that influences the germination process. According to the invention the step of moistening or the wet switch is carried out at a temperature of 7 ° C to 20 ° C, in particular from 14 ° C to 18 ° C. The said temperature is preferably adjusted by means of cooling, particularly preferably by means of evaporative cooling.

With the thus controlled temperature, a temperature above a specific for each type of germination germination temperature is set. The specific germination temperature is preferably above 7 ° C to 20 ° C depending on the germinal matter. In addition, with the temperature set according to the invention, a relatively low temperature is used for germination of seed material. This advantageously avoids the risk of fungal infestation, in particular mold infestation, which contributes to the health of the germinal product.

Furthermore, an unwanted uncontrolled germination process is avoided with the temperature set so low. The germination process, in particular by the process of breathing, represents an overall exothermic reaction in which heat energy is released. The heat energy would increase the temperature of the individual germinal grain and thus of the germinal product as a whole. Thus, the germination process could be accelerated in an undesired manner uncontrolled and possibly damaged the germination in its germination.

Particularly advantageous at the comparatively low temperature when moistening the germinal product is a particularly strong formation of enzymes, since it has been found according to the invention that at low germ temperature, an increased enzyme level is achieved. By means of the increased enzyme level, during the first continuation of the germination process, high molecular weight nutrients are advantageously biochemically decomposed into low molecular weight nutrients, in particular to amino acids and sugars, in the germinal grain. Almost at the same time, respiration starts with the degradation of increasingly formed low-molecular sugars, with increased consumption of oxygen and increased formation of carbon dioxide.

The said biochemical processes, in particular the further formation of enzymes after the activation of the first enzymes during the start of the germination process and the first continuation of the germination process, thus take place in the germinal matter grain parallel to each other and beyond in dependence on each other.

Preferably, the step of moistening further takes place for a period of 1 hour to 12 hours, in particular from 2 hours to 8 hours. With this period of moistening or the wet switch it is ensured that the germinal product has sufficient time to absorb a particularly large amount of water, at least enough water that the germination process starts. In addition, the time taken to perform a subsequent process step is limited so that the carbon dioxide formed does not lead to a "suffocation" of the germinal product. Otherwise, there would be a risk of mold growth due to infestation with mold fungi.

Preferably, the individual seed grains or grains of the seed are moved relative to one another during the wet switch, particularly preferably by means of stirring. The individual grains are especially well mixed with water. In addition, while the individual grains rub against each other, so formed by the germination process carbon dioxide bubbles are removed at the surface of the individual grain. As a result, no dry spots remain on the surface of the individual grain, whereby all grains are moistened evenly and thus absorb approximately the same amount of water. With the homogeneous and uniform absorption of water over the entire germ material, a start of the germination process in approximately every single grain is advantageously achieved, so that a particularly high degree of efficiency is achieved.

Particularly preferably, a step of cleaning or washing takes place before the step of the wet-switch. For washing, water is first added to the seed material and removed again, particularly preferably in a continuous manner. Preferably, to enhance a cleaning effect, an alkali, especially sodium hydroxide, is added in an amount of preferably from 0.3 kg to 0.8 kg, more preferably from 0.4 kg to 0.6 kg per cubic meter of water.

If present, impurities such as dirt particles, parts of sponges and harmful microorganisms such as molds and spores are separated by the water from the germinal matter. In a preferred movement of the individual grains relative to each other, the grains rub against each other and existing impurities are separated very quickly and thoroughly by abrasion of the individual grains. The impurities separated in the water are advantageously removed with the removal of the water, so that the seed is washed. Subsequently, the seed material according to the invention, as already described, wet soaked wet.

The invention further provides a method for germinating seed material, comprising the steps of: moistening the germinal product to start a germination process and continuing the germination process, wherein the germinal product forms carbon dioxide and in which after the step of moistening the germinal product a suction of gas from the germinating material takes place ,

After the moistening step according to the invention, it is preferable to remove the water in which the seed has been soaked. Subsequently, the gas surrounding the germinating material and thus in particular the carbon dioxide formed is aspirated with a high suction power of a suitable suction device from the germinal product. In this case, preferably, the entire volume of gas surrounding the germinal material is exchanged at least once. Preferably, extraction takes place so strongly that the gas volume surrounding the germinal product is exchanged three times.

With the removal of the carbon dioxide formed as mentioned above a "suffocation" of the germ is avoided. For this purpose, fresh air is sucked in at the same time preferably from the environment with the suction, with the oxygen is supplied. Without this oxygen, the germ bud would die off and begin to mold. This mold is reliably prevented by the removal of carbon dioxide and the associated supply of oxygen.

By means of the suction, a negative pressure is also advantageously generated, whereby a remaining after the discharge of the soaking water residual water is advantageously sucked on and between the individual seed grains by means of negative pressure. The negative pressure causes a substantial evaporation of this residual water, whereby at the same time an energy-saving and effective cooling of the germinal product directly to the individual seed grains is achieved by means of the resulting evaporation cold. With the cooling, the germination process, in particular the respiration in the individual germinal grain is advantageously limited, so that the substance consumption of low molecular weight sugars is largely minimized.

The aspiration of the gas takes place in particular over a period of 10 minutes to 60 minutes, preferably from 20 minutes to 50 minutes and more preferably from 30 minutes to 40 minutes. The selected period of time can advantageously be varied depending on the type of germinal product and the proportion of residual water. The aspiration of the gas can preferably already be part of the continuation of the germination process.

Further, according to the invention, there is provided a method of germinating seeds, comprising the steps of: moistening the germinating material to start a germination process and continuing the germination process, the germinating material forming carbon dioxide. In this case, the step of continuing the germination process, the so-called dry switch, with suction of gas from the seed and in such a way that a temperature of the extracted gas from 7 ° C to 30 ° C, preferably from 10 ° C to 25 ° C and more preferably from 13 ° C to 20 ° C sets. The set temperature is also somewhat dependent on the type of germinal product.

Overall, a further increased formation of enzymes is advantageously achieved by the thus set, relatively low temperature even when continuing the germination process. This continues to create a high level of enzymes.

By means of this high enzyme level, as already explained, with the aid of the increased, activated enzymes from high molecular weight nutrients, increased low molecular weight nutrients, in particular amino acids and sugars, are also produced in the continuation of the germination process. From the increasingly produced sugars carbon dioxide is in turn increasingly formed by means of the running in the individual germinal grain respiration oxygen consumption and heat generation. This carbon dioxide is preferably included among other things in the extracted exhaust air.

Since the germination process, in particular the respiration, is a heat-dissipating process, the environment of the individual germinal grains must be cooled in order to compensate for the released thermal energy. The released heat energy would, as already mentioned, accelerate the germination process by increasing the temperature in an undesired manner in an uncontrolled manner. The increase in temperature would favor the process of breathing, which would lead to an undesirable consumption of sugar.

The cooling is preferably achieved by spraying the germinal product with water from above and sucking off the sprayed-on water, preferably downwards. When aspirating air, in addition, the mentioned negative pressure, which causes a decrease in temperature. In addition, reduced by the negative pressure of the air pressure around the grains of germination around, so that the water with which the germ is sprayed, evaporated at much lower temperatures than 100 ° C, compared to normal conditions with an air pressure of 1.013 bar. With the evaporation and the associated phase transition heat is removed from the germ. This is also helped by spraying, which produces small water droplets with a larger surface area. When evaporating the environment of the grains thus energy is removed, whereby the temperature of the environment is lowered. The lowering of temperature is referred to as evaporative cooling. The evaporative cooling compensates for the heat generated during the germination process, so that an undesirable Heating the germ and its environment is avoided. Such exploitation of the evaporative cooling is very energy-efficient and can be done without a cooling unit or other particular electrical cooling.

The step of continuing the germination process accordingly preferably comprises supplying fresh air. Preferably, the air is extracted simultaneously with the supply of fresh air. With the supply of fresh air, a pressure equalization is achieved so far that no strong vacuum is created. In this case, the desired cooling effect can be adjusted. In addition, for the germination necessary oxygen is supplied, which is contained in the fresh air. In addition, by means of supplying comparatively cold fresh air, the germinal product is additionally cooled.

Particularly preferably, the fresh air is supplied from above and the spent air with the carbon dioxide sucked down so that the gas flow thus produced is advantageously adapted to the densities of the existing gases (density of oxygen: 1.429 kg · m ^-3 , density of carbon dioxide: 1, 98 kg · m ^-3 , density of air: 1.293 kg · m ^-3 , each at 0 ° C, 1.013 bar). Carbon dioxide is the densest gas, drops down by itself and is advantageously sucked downwards.

Preferably, during the step of continuing the germination process, the individual grains of the germinal product are moved relative to one another, in particular by means of agitation. The individual grains rub against each other, so that any remaining contaminants or unwanted products formed during the germination process are separated by abrasion from the individual grains. In addition, the individual grains are well ventilated, so that both fresh air reaches each individual grain as well as carbon dioxide is subtracted from each individual grain. Particularly advantageous is thus achieved a particularly high efficiency with respect to the germination itself. Furthermore, mold growth is also advantageously avoided, the risk of poor ventilation exists.

Furthermore, a method is preferably provided in which the step of continuing the germination process takes place for a period of 1 hour to 120 hours, preferably 10 hours to 80 hours and particularly preferably 20 hours to 40 hours.

With this period, a comparatively long dry switch is created, during which the germination process can be continued in a controlled manner. Preferably, the seed is sprayed as described with water and sucked the exhaust air generated. The spraying of the germinal product with water also serves at the same time to adjust the degree of moisture or water content of the germinal product, which is required in order to maintain the step of continuing the germination process optimally and efficiently. A particularly high water content leads here preferably to a high enzyme activity.

With a further inventive solution, a method for germinating seed material is provided, comprising the steps of: moistening the germinal product for starting a germination process and continuing the germination process, wherein the germinal product forms carbon dioxide. In this case, the step of continuing the germination process takes place with a control of the carbon dioxide content in the seed material of 600 ppm to 12,000 ppm, in particular from 700 ppm to 11,000 ppm and particularly preferably from 800 ppm to 10,000 ppm.

The control is carried out in particular by means of the already described in the evaporative cooling suction of gas from the seed. In this case, a suction flow is generated by means of a suitable suction device with adjustable power and measured the content of carbon dioxide in the generated suction flow. Depending on the measured value, the power of the suction device is regulated until the carbon dioxide content according to the invention of 600 ppm to 12,000 ppm in the seed material is reached.

The natural carbon dioxide content in the ambient air is usually 400 ppm to 450 ppm. This means that the carbon dioxide content in the germinating material according to the invention is kept higher than the natural carbon dioxide content of the ambient air. The carbon dioxide content increases due to the germination process, in particular due to respiration in the individual germinal grain. In this breathing, ambient oxygen and low molecular weight sugars in the germinal grain formed during the germination process serve as starting materials for the biochemical reaction. Carbon dioxide and water form the end products.

In general, the starting materials of a chemical reaction are referred to as starting materials and the resulting substances or end products of a chemical reaction as products. In a chemical reaction, there is a balance between a back and a back reaction, the so-called chemical equilibrium. This chemical balance can be disturbed by, for example, the concentration of a Product is increased. As a result, the reaction is shifted to the side of the reactants, so inhibited. By according to the solution according to the invention carbon dioxide is only partially removed as a product during respiration in the germ, the concentration of carbon dioxide increases, whereby the respiration is inhibited. This advantageously also the degradation of low molecular weight sugar is inhibited to carbon dioxide, so that the energy content in the germ remains largely intact. Thus, a germinated germ is advantageously achieved, which has a high content of low molecular weight amino acids and little loss of low molecular weight sugars.

Particularly advantageous is the control of the carbon dioxide content in the germinating with increasing over time carbon dioxide content. In particular, this carbon dioxide content is continuously increasing until, in particular, a maximum value of 12,000 ppm is reached.

Controlled so is preferred at the beginning of the step of continuing the germination even more carbon dioxide formed removed from the seed, which leads to an increase in respiration of sugar, until then this reaction is increasingly inhibited by a continuous increase in carbon dioxide content. This advantageously achieves the possibility of an individual control of the nutrient content in the germinal product, even with different germinal product varieties.

Preferably, the step of continuing the germination process is with the addition of gibberillic acid. Preferably, 0.01 grams to 0.20 grams per tonne of seed are added, more preferably 0.04 grams to 0.12 grams per ton. Gibberillic acid is a plant growth hormone, which advantageously accelerates the formation of enzymes in the germ. Preferably, the gibberillic acid is added to the water with which the seed is sprayed while continuing the germination process. This is achieved in particular by means of additional movement of the individual seed grains relative to each other, a uniform distribution in the seed and thus a uniformly rapid enzyme formation largely over the entire seed.

Particularly advantageously, the step of continuing the germination process takes place with a regulation of a water content in the gas surrounding the germinating material of from 70% to 99%, preferably from 80% to 95%.

The water content is measured in particular in the already described suction of the gas from the seed. In the suction flow generated in this case, the water content is measured and, depending on the measured water content, if necessary, the suction power increased or added water to the seed. The addition of the water is preferably carried out by spraying the germinal product from above, in particular by means of suitable spray nozzles, until the desired water content is reached. With this water content, sufficient moisture is always provided during the continuation of the germination process in order to achieve a particularly high activation and formation of enzymes.

Advantageously, in the step of continuing the germination process, the spraying of the germinal product with water, the suction of gas, the supply of fresh air, the water content and the temperature in the extracted gas combined are controlled depending on the measured content of carbon dioxide.

In particular, the amount of water to be supplied and the suction power or the suction are controlled. With the suction of carbon dioxide and air is sucked and thus preferably sucked fresh air at the same time. By controlling these factors, all of which affect the germination process as described, the germination process can be controlled in a very precise manner. Particularly advantageous is thus an individual control of the germination process allows, depending on which stage germination process for the final products is desired. If, for example, low molecular weight sugars and proteins or amino acids are required in the germinated germ, in particular the respiration in the germinal product is inhibited by adjusting the content of carbon dioxide to the value according to the invention of about 600 ppm to 12,000 ppm. A risk of germination of germs is thus avoided.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to a germinated germ, which was prepared by one of the above methods.

Such sprouted seed has a very high content of water soluble low molecular weight amino acids. The content of amino acids in relation to not yet degraded high molecular weight proteins according to the invention is up to 90%. Thus, such germinated germ is a very valuable source of protein for easily digestible and usable protein. Especially in animal production, it may preferably serve as a substitute for conventionally used soy. In addition, the energy content is in the form of largely easily digestible low molecular weight sugars. In addition, a high number of nutritionally active enzymes, vitamins and / or trace elements have formed.

For the production of such sprouted seed, grain, preferably wheat, spelled, rye, barley, oats, triticale, corn, rice and millet are used. Peas, chickpeas, beans, soybeans, lentils, peanuts and lupins are the preferred legumes or legumes. Alternatively, potatoes can also be used as seed.

Brief description of the drawings

An exemplary embodiment of the solutions according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the attached schematic drawing. It shows:

1 a flowchart of the first steps of a method according to the invention and

2 a flowchart of further steps of the method according to 1 ,

Detailed description of the embodiment

1 shows a method 10 to germinate germination with a first step of cleaning 12 of the germinal matter. For cleaning 12 is germinating material, present in the form of spelled, consisting of individual spelled grains filled in a container, not further illustrated. In it, the spelled is flooded with water from bottom to top, while in the water about 0.5 kg of sodium hydroxide per cubic meter of water. By flooding from below, the water level rises evenly and the spelled therein floats at least partially. The individual spelled grains loosen up and mix with the water. The water is fed continuously from below and continuously discharged upwards via a water overflow. In the discharged water are separated from the spelled impurities that float and are discharged with the overflowing water. Subsequently, the cleaning water is in a step of draining 14 removed down.

Following the drain 14 becomes the step of moistening 16 or the so-called wet switch for starting the germination performed. The spelled remains in the same container and is again flooded from bottom to top with water until the spelled is completely covered with water. By means of a stirring or mixing device, not shown, the spelled is constantly stirred in the water. Alternatively, it is stirred at intervals. The temperature in the seed is first adjusted to the appropriate water temperature and then by cooling to about 16 ° C. The spelled remains so soaked for a period of 2 hours to 8 hours at a low germination temperature. This advantageously results in an increased enzyme level in the sprouted spelled and, moreover, the formation of the first carbon dioxide as the product of an initial respiration in the single spelled grain.

After moistening 16 First, a discharge takes place 18 the soaking water down and then a suction 20 of gas, in particular the formed carbon dioxide from interspaces between the spelled grains. It is sucked by means of a suction fan not shown further as a suction device with full power for about 30 minutes to ensure rapid carbon dioxide removal and thus the best possible supply of the Dinkel with oxygen. In addition, the spelled is thereby cooled and the breathing in spelled grain largely adjusted. Thus, the substance consumption of already formed low molecular weight sugars is largely stopped.

Overall, a constant stirring 21 or moving the individual seed grains relative to each other during at least one of the following steps: cleaning 12 , Drain 14 of cleaning water, moistening 16 , Drain 18 of soaking water and suction 20 , Alternatively, stirring takes place 21 at intervals, as needed.

Following the suction 20 a step of continuation takes place 22 the germination process or a so-called dry switch for a period of 1 hour to 120 hours, in particular 30 hours. During this period of time will be a suction 24 carried out during the germination process exhaust air. This is a measurement 25 the temperature of this exhaust air is measured and a rules 26 the temperature to a value between 7 ° C and 30 ° C, in particular 18 ° C. The rules are done 26 by spraying 28 of the dinkel with appropriate amount of water from above and the simultaneous suction 24 the exhaust air downwards, whereby an evaporative cooling is achieved. It can In addition, by a variation of the power of the suction 24 used suction fan, the amount of extracted exhaust air to be adjusted according to the desired temperature to be reached. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature may be via a simultaneous supply 30 be regulated by fresh air.

With the suction 24 In addition, the exhaust air from the spelled regulates the carbon dioxide content in the germinal matter. This is a measurement 25 the carbon dioxide content in the exhaust air, which largely corresponds to the content in the germinal product. The performance of the presently used suction fan for suction 24 is adjusted depending on the measured carbon dioxide content such that the exhaust air and thus carbon dioxide is sucked continuously weaker until a value of 12,000 ppm is reached. Thus, an adjustment of the carbon dioxide content in the germinal product is achieved to a value with which regulates the process of breathing in the germ, in particular inhibited.

Simultaneously with the spraying 28 with water is added 32 of gibberillic acid as growth hormone in an amount of 0.10 grams per ton of germ.

Overall, while continuing 22 germinating constantly or alternatively at intervals stirring 21 , so that overall a largely homogeneous mixing of the individual seed grains is achieved. In addition, the Gibberillinsäure is well distributed between the spelled grains.

In addition, with the suction 24 the exhaust air from the spelled regulates the water content in the gas surrounding the seed material. Here, the water content here largely corresponds to the water content in the exhaust air, which is why a measuring 25 the water content in the exhaust air is performed. Depending on the measured value, a further suction takes place 24 or a spraying 28 of water on the spelled. Thus, a water content in the gas surrounding the spelled is achieved from 50% to 99%, in particular 85%.

In particular, the process parameters mentioned include temperature, time, carbon dioxide content in the germinating material and water content in the germinating gas during the step of continuing 22 the germination process created optimal conditions to produce a germinated germ, which contains a particularly high content of amino acids and sugars, vitamins and activated enzymes and also has a good taste.

2 shows the following further possible method steps:
After completion of the germination process, the sprouted seed thus formed can be wet-fed 34 be recycled immediately.

Alternatively, the germinated seed after completion of the germination process according to a method 36 be stored for storing germinated germ. In the process 36 For storage, the temperature of the germinal product is adjusted in a simple and energy-saving manner with the already existing means of evaporative cooling and mixing to a temperature below the germination temperature of the germinated germinal product. The cooling takes place with the described suction of the air and preferably with the simultaneous spraying of the germinated germ with water. Thus, the germinated germ is made very gently, with comparatively little energy storage.

The temperature for storage 36 is dependent on the type of germinated germinal product and is preferably between 3 ° C and 8 ° C, preferably between 4 ° C and 7 ° C.

This storage 36 may be scheduled for a longer period of a few weeks, or possibly only for a very short period of a few hours or days.

As a further alternative, the germinated seed can be subjected to a process of drying 38 be subjected. This is when drying 38 provided with the external heat source warm air at a temperature of 30 ° C to a maximum of 60 ° C and pressed with the aforementioned blower through the seed. Care is taken to ensure that the maximum temperature of 60 ° C is not exceeded in order not to damage the nutrients contained in the germinated germ, in particular vitamins and enzymes.

As an external heat source, the exhaust air from a combined heat and power plant or processing of renewable resources (NAWARO) is advantageously used.

While drying 38 the sprouted germinal product is gently stirred or mixed at intervals or at intervals with a mixing device. In addition, while drying 38 flavor and smoke gases are passed through the germinated seed via the already mentioned blower, so that with the method 10 For example, smoke malt can be produced.

As a further possibility of further processing the germinated germ, this can be pared or roasted.

The Darren 40 is analogous to drying, but the temperature of the supplied air is at 70 ° C to 110 ° C. Darren 40 change the color and taste of the germinated germ. Here, too, flavors and flue gases can be passed through the germinated seed. The Darren is finished 40 when the desired residual moisture, the desired color of the germinal product and the desired taste are achieved.

In an additional or alternative step of roasting 42 the germinal product is again flowed through with hot air. The temperature of the supplied air is up to 300 ° C. The supplied air is thus heated particularly strong, which in turn can be done advantageously by means of said external heat source. At the same time, while roasting 42 mixed the seed and mixed. When roasting 42 The color and taste of germinated germs also change. Again, flavors and fumes can be passed through the germinated seed. Also the roasting 42 is terminated when the desired residual moisture, the desired color of the germinal product and the desired taste are achieved.

To finish drying 38 , of darren 40 and roasting 42 becomes the germ in one step 44 cooled. For cooling 44 cold ambient air is blown by means of said blower through the desired end product of the dried, germinated germinal product until the desired temperature is reached. It is also preferred during cooling 44 continuously mixed gently or in intervals.

To adjust 46 The moisture in the desired final product can be sprayed onto the end product with constant mixing until the desired water content in the final product is reached.

In the following, examples of the production of germinated seed material with the corresponding process parameters according to the invention are shown in tabular form: Moistening = wet switch Continue = Dry-Soft reproductive material Temperature (° C) Duration (hrs.) Temperature (° C) Duration (hrs.) CO2 (ppm) Water content (%) Spelt 12-18 5 18 20 550-800 98.0 peas 12 6 14 48 2400 99.0 soy 12 9 13 12 11960 99.9 Corn 12 7 18 28 2500 99.9 field beans 12 9 14 72 3000 99.9 wheat 10 5 24 96 1200 99.9

Finally, it should be noted that all the features that are mentioned in the application documents and in particular in the dependent claims, in spite of the formal reference back to one or more specific claims, even individually or in any combination should receive independent protection.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Method of germinating germs

12

Clean

14

drain

16

Moisten to start the germination process

18

drain

20

Suction of gas

21

stir

22

Continuing the germination process

24

Extracting exhaust air

25

measure up

26

regulate

28

spray

30

Supply of fresh air

32

Addition of Gibberillic Acid

34

wet feeding

36

Store under refrigeration

38

dry

40

Darren

42

Roast

44

cooling down

46

Adjusting the humidity in the final product

Claims (10)

Procedure ( 10 ) for germination of germs, with the steps: moistening ( 16 ) of the germinal product for starting a germination process and continuing ( 22 ) of the germination process, wherein the germinal product forms carbon dioxide, in which the step of moistening ( 16 ) at a temperature of 12 ° C to 20 ° C. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of moistening ( 16 ) for a period of 1 hour to 10 hours, especially from 2 hours to 8 hours. Procedure ( 10 ) for germination of seed material, in particular according to claim 1 or 2, with the steps: moistening ( 16 ) of the germinal product for starting a germination process and continuing ( 22 ) of the germination process, wherein the germinal product forms carbon dioxide, in which after the step of moistening ( 16 ) of the germinal product sucking off ( 20 ) of gas from the germ. Procedure ( 10 ) for germination of seed material, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 3, with the steps: moistening ( 16 ) of the germinal product for starting a germination process and continuing ( 22 ) of the germination process, wherein the germinal product forms carbon dioxide, in which at the step of continuing ( 22 ) of the germination process, the temperature of the surrounding gas surrounding the material is measured and adjusted to a value of 7 ° C to 30 ° C, preferably from 10 ° C to 25 ° C and more preferably from 13 ° C to 20 ° C. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of continuing ( 22 ) of the germination process for a period of 1 hour to 120 hours, preferably from 10 hours to 80 hours, and more preferably from 20 hours to 40 hours. Procedure ( 10 ) for germination of seed material, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 5, with the steps: moistening ( 16 ) of the germinal product for starting a germination process and continuing ( 22 ) of the germination process, wherein the germinal product forms carbon dioxide, in which at the step of continuing ( 22 ) of the germination rate of the carbon dioxide content in the seed and is controlled to a value of 600 ppm to 12,000 ppm, in particular from 700 ppm to 11,000 ppm, more preferably from 800 ppm to 10,000 ppm. A method according to claim 6, wherein the control of the carbon dioxide content in the seed material takes place with increasing carbon dioxide content over time. Method according to one of Claims 4 to 7, in which the step of continuing ( 22 ) of the germination process with the addition of gibberillic acid. Method according to one of Claims 4 to 8, in which at the step of continuing ( 22 ) of the germination process, the water content of the surrounding gas surrounding the material is measured and controlled to a value of 70% to 99%, in particular from 80% to 95%. Germinated seed produced by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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